It is too much. It isn’t real. Life doesn’t allow that much praise. There is too much trouble, too much difficulty, too much suffering. But no, David was writing a hymnbook for his people, and it needed this level of praise in spite of trouble. The people needed to remember praise WHATEVER the struggles of … [Read more…]
If you are going to learn to play the piano, one of the earliest lessons is that everything scales up or down from “middle C.” It doesn’t matter what the tune or the rhythm or the tune, every note is calculated from “middle C.” The first letter of the alphabet might seem like a more … [Read more…]
God wants those who are humble, submissive, compliant with his ways, ready to do His will, not their own. Is this always true? No exception. The way to higher Christian attainment is down the path of humility. It is the TEACHING of Jesus from beginning to end. Matt. 23:12 12And whoever exalts himself will be … [Read more…]
I recall very vividly a high school teacher who was prone to give what he called “Pop” quizzes. Any time you came into his class might be the time for one. Or it might not. You never knew. So what if it was “just a quiz.” But no, those POP quizzes counted on a par … [Read more…]
Someone asked a playwright where he got his ideas for writing. His answer was very simple: “I keep my antenna up.” It makes me ponder the question, Do I have my antenna up? What am I picking up? What am I missing that is circulating above ground, in the air, all around me? What am … [Read more…]
Jesus said it. How seriously do we take it? What do we get from this ultra-bright star among the constellation of Beatitudes? Does its challenge to perfect purity make us stop, think, and examine ourselves? “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matt. 5:8). “Heart” in the Bible usually meaning the … [Read more…]
Several years ago Ted Turner, a well-known entrepreneur, called Christianity a “religion for losers.” Later he retracted his comment and apologized for his words. Though his words were derogatory and should not have been said in that context, I think the words he spoke were right. True religion is for losers—losers who want to WIN. … [Read more…]
During the current pandemic, with the “stay home” rules, home remodeling is everywhere. It is one way to cure cabin fever—and improve the cabin at the same time. It is a time to do some of those jobs that have been waiting almost from “forever” for lack of time. But even before this, one of … [Read more…]
I have been reading about the walls that were built around cities in Bible times. The people of the city depended on these strong walls to keep them safe from attackers. Above the walls they built towers. The towers served as places of refuge should the enemy breach the walls. Provisions were stored in the … [Read more…]
A parable of the virtuous life I want to take you with me today as I visit this quaint dear lady from long ago. So that you know who she is, I will give you a few get-acquainted facts about her: Her price is “far above rubies” – Proverbs 31:10 Her praise: “Her children rise … [Read more…]